Law Would Create Ombuds for California Legislature

Crafted in response to a series of ethics violations by California State legislators, Senate Resolution 43 by Steinberg would create an Ombuds “to facilitate the receipt of information about potential ethical violations” and help the Senate protect whistle-blowers from adverse consequences. It would be just one part of a sweeping set of ethics reforms.

The proposed position would be State Senators, officers, employees and the public with concerns about ethical standards or possible violations. The statute states that, “All communications made pursuant to this subparagraph shall be confidential between the informant or complainant and the ombudsperson.”  Few other characteristics of the position are defined by the draft statute. (Calif. SR-43; LA Times.)

Related posts: Gov. Christie Appoints an Ombuds; Federal Court for Northern California Creates Ombuds Program.